HAVE YOU RECENTLY FAINTED UNEXPECTEDLY?

Fainting or syncope is a temporary loss of consciousness that occurs due to insufficient blood flow to your brain. It can occur for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common causes include dehydration, heavy sweating, and exhaustion. You might also faint or experience dizziness if you change positions too quickly or too slowly when moving from a lying-sitting-standing position.

Cardiovascular syncope can occur if you have medical history related to the heart. Having bradycardia (slow heart rate), tachycardia (fast heart rate) and/or blood flow obstruction can cause fainting, increasing your risk for a heart attack or sudden death. Cardiac syncope is a serious condition and increases the risk for heart failure and atrial fibrillation in older adults.

A doctor can determine if fainting is resulting from an underlying medical condition. You should seek medical treatment if fainting:

• occurs during exercise
• occurs along with heart palpitations and/or an irregular heartbeat
• is known in family medical history

To diagnose the cause of fainting, the team at Premier Cardiovascular Consultants will perform a physical exam, review your medical history, and discuss the symptoms you’re having. Depending on your age and overall health, testing may be performed, including:

• Blood tests
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Holter Monitor
• Stress test

If these measures don’t provide enough information, the provider might recommend a tilt table test. This type of exam measures your blood pressure and heart rate while lying on a board that’s tilted at an angle. 

If you or a loved one regularly experiences episodes of fainting, schedule an appointment by calling Premier Cardiovascular Consultants or request an appointment online today.